Independence Provincetown @ the Crown

High season comes to Ptown with the Fourth of July as population quadruples with many coming from all corners of the world to relax, party and be entertained in this magical resort. And with the fallout from the landmark Supreme Court rulings still ringing in our ears, it is a time for celebration.

Ground zero for both entertainment and nightlife is the Crown and Anchor, the entertainment complex in the center of town that hosts six bars, including the town's largest dance club, its premiere video bar, an award-winning piano bar, and Provincetown's most popular leather bar. There will be poolside parties in the afternoons and dancing under the stars at night. Leading DJs will be spinning throughout the week, which has been dubbed Independence Provincetown.

As for entertainment, expect to find leading some of the major talents in the LGBT community to be on a hand the first week of July, culminating with the appearance of the iconic Sandra Bernhard for two nights.

Here's a look at what will be at the Crown before and after the Fourth:

Justin Vivian Bond is Mx America

On Sunday and Monday, June 30 and July 1, Mx. Justin Vivian Bond comes to the Paramount for two performances of "Justin Vivian Bond is Mx America." Many remember the multi-talented performer as one-half of Kiki and Herb, the caustic cabaret act in which Mx. Bond played a boozy, over-the-hill cabaret singer.

Those, though, that only know Mx. Bond from that character, saw only one part of her artistic capabilities. She is the author of the Lambda Literary Award winning memoir "TANGO: My Childhood, Backwards and in High Heels;" she has released two CDs, "DENDROPHILE" and "SILVER WELLS;" on the screen she starred in John Cameron Mitchell’s cult classic "Shortbus," and on the stage she played drag superstar Jackie Curtis in "Jukebox Jackie: Snatches of Jackie Curtis" at New York’s LA MAMA.

Mx. Bond was nominated for a Tony Award for his appearance as Kiki DuRayne when the team traveled to Broadway in 2007, and won an Obie, a Bessie and The Ethyl Eichelberger Award. She is also a leading activist for transgender rights, having given himself the gender-inclusive honorific Mx. (in place of Ms./Mr.) and pronoun v (with vself instead of her/himself).

Jake Shears of the Scissor Sisters told OUT Magazine that "Justin is one of the great New York performers, and has had a massive influence on downtown culture." Actress Tilda Swinton describes Mx. Bond as the "mutha of all muthas," adding that "not only Kiki but also Justin are great mother figures to those that know them: all-embracing, all-seeing, all-knowing, unshakable, unconditionally present."

In describing his latest show to this publication earlier this year, Mx. Bond said, "... as a trans person, we constantly are trying to be seen and have other people see us as we see ourselves. But I also think as Americans, there’s another issue. Americans have an idealized version of what it is to be American and how Americans are seen throughout the world, but that isn’t necessarily always an accurate idea. So the show is kind of an explanation of that state between how we see ourselves and how we are seen by others, as trans people and as Americans. I’m going to somehow work that idea into a cabaret (laughing). We’ll see how it works."

Justin Vivian Bond appears at the Paramount Nightclub on 6/30 and 7/1. For more details, visit the Crown’s web site.

Ben Rimalower has ’Patti Issues’

When does fandom become obsession? That’s the question raised humorously by Ben Rimalower in his 2013 Bistro and Mac Award winning show Patti Issues, which he brings to the Crown Cabaret onc, with a return engagement on August 4.

As a director Rimalower has been called "the Midas of cabaret" for helming solo shows for such artists as Alec Mapa, Scott Nevins, Lance Horne and other cabaret notables. But it is with this show, which has been a sensation since it first appeared a year ago in New York City.

Chronicling his relationship with the Broadway diva, he relates what an important role Lupone played in his life, beginning at the age of 8 when his father came out as a gay man and his parents divorced.

"I needed someone in a way that was singing louder than the screaming going on in the other room," he told EDGE earlier this year. "And also, I think feeling scared and powerless against the drama that was going on in my house, I vicariously became empowered by Patti’s strong figure."

The New York Times David Rooney gave the show a Critics’ Pick last year, saying "the show pairs a well-toned script with an engaging spontaneous delivery and a nose for sharp, observational comedy." Even Lupone gave the show her blessing: "I was moved.... He’s a very talented man, and I’m so proud of him."

Miss Richfield 1981 is ’Sweet and Sour’

Miss Richfield 1981 is a Ptown entertainment staple; having performed their for nearly a decade. Rearing from the small town of Richfield, Minnesota, the outrageous drag star combines homespun humor with edgy improv to create an unforgettable theater experience.

Her latest show "Sweet & Sour Richfield - Made in China," which recounts her recent trip to the Far East. "I did fall in love with the Orient! What a magnificent country, filled with a population all under a size 6," she writes on her website. "It was especially interesting that each time we got off the ship, the same 12 people met us at the port. I asked how they got from one place to another and they never answered! I guess it’s one of those ’ancient Chinese secrets!’"

Miss Richfield’s national appeal includes riotous appearances on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and "Today" on NBC, as well as prestigious mentions, such as The New York Post recently honoring "Miss Richfield 1981 as the must-see act in Provincetown."

Miss Richfield 1981 appears in Sweet & Sour Richfield - Made in China throughout the summer at the Paramount.

Kate Clinton ’Sis-Boom-Bah’

Another Ptown regular - perhaps the longest-running - is Kate Clinton, the comic who has been performing in clubs along Commercial Street since the 1980s.

The outspoken Clinton describes herself on her web page as a "faith-based, tax-paying, America-loving political humorist and family entertainer. With a career spanning almost thirty years, Kate Clinton has worked through economic booms and busts, Disneyfication and Walmartization, gay movements and gay markets, lesbian chic and queer eyes, and eight presidential inaugurals. She still believes that humor gets us through peacetime, wartime, scoundrel time and economic down times. This year she celebrates her 31st year of performing."

Dina Martina

For something completely different (and hilarious), check out Dina Martina, another Provincetown regular - with good reason.

Absolutely packed with ludicrous song, horrifying stories and overburdened costumes, Dina Martina’s shows are impossible to describe, other than that they’ve become synonymous with jaw-dropping pathos and mind-blowing comedy.

Dina Martina has been hailed as "a train wreck in heels" and "one of the best nightmares you’ll ever have." Her fans include such celebs as John Waters, Whoopi Goldberg, Matt Stone, Jennifer Coolidge, Graham Norton (amongst others). Martina is the 2012 recipient of The Stranger Genius Award for Theater and has been nominated for an Alpert Award, a SPIT Award for Best Solo Show and two GLAAD Media Awards for Outstanding Off-Off Broadway Theater, which she is proud to say she did not win.

Sandra Bernhard Live

Since her break-out performance in Martin Scorcese’s "The King of Comedy," Sandra Bernhard has personified edgy comedy. Whether on Broadway and on tour in her celebrated solo shows, or on television and in movies, Bernhard is both an acerbic commentator on the American scene and a distinctive vocalist. For her latest show, which she has been performing since January, she is joined with her band The Flawless Zircons.

Bernhard’s most recent show, "I Love Being Me, Don’t You?" played to sold-out audiences for an extended run last summer in Los Angeles, as well as at the Crown. The album version of the show was released on Rooftop Records last fall, and she has since been touring almost non-stop. "Just below the surface, you sense the same roving critical eye that misses nothing," said the New York Times of this show.

Independence Provincetown

Provincetown’s hottest July 4th celebration brings DJs from around the world for a week-long series of dancing by the pool and under the stars.

Here’s a listing of the talented DJs that will be playing.

DJ Ranny

The week kicks off with Brazilian hottie DJ Ranny on Monday. Ranny has shared the stage with DJs like Tony Moran, Richie LaDue and Craig Mitchell in the US, Paco Dominguez in Mexico and Brazilian superstar DJs like Paulo Agulhari, Paulo Ciotti, Vilson, Kiron and Tato. He’s also remixed artists like The Pussycat Dolls, Gwen Stefani, Pepper Mashay, Nelly Furtado, Justin Timberlake, Fergie and Ultra Nate, among others. He’s always in studio creating unique remixes and original productions that are played on many dance floors everywhere.

DJ Alyson Calagna

Tuesday night features DJ Alyson Calagna the internationally-known DJ known for being the pioneer behind the sound of "Omtronica," mixing sexual, sensual and spiritual rhythms with tones of empowerment and ecstasy. From beats of shared consciousness to the tribal ballet of contemporary longings, Calagna’s unique blend of organic sound, poetic wisdom and modern pulses combine to bring the listener to center of their conscience and the heart of the dancefloor.

DJ Danny Verde

From Italy comes DJ Danny Verde, who has been mixing music in clubs and for artists for almost 20 years. His first big success was with the Italian S.M.S. project, which produced two hit singles, including, "La Vie C’est Fantastique" in 2001, which was number 1 on the official Italian dance chart, as well as the follow up, "Just A Bit Of Chaos", which reached both number 1 in Italy and Brasil on Time Records. His next project was the huge international single "La Isla Bonita", a cover of the classic Madonna tune.

In 2008 Danny released the house track "Pushin To The Top"; in collaboration with The Halmadaxx Team and with the help of International DJ’s reached number 1 on the Ministry Of Sound download chart; number 1 on the Djdownload.com chart and was top 10 on the Beatport progressive house chart. Thanks to massive support from the hottest DJ’s in Europe, above all in Spain and the UK, "Pushin To The Top" reached also number 1 on the Matinèe Group DJ’s chart (Barcelona), which is one of the largest club promoter’s group in the world. "Pushin To The Top" has been officially released in Italy, Spain, America, Russia, Switzerland and Portugal.

He has recently released his last single "Express Yourself", in cooperation with the renowned international dj Phil Romano and performed by the English singer Anna Buckley, that is already at the top of the most important downloading stores charts.

DJ Joe Gauthreaux

Thursday, the Fourth, has DJ Joe Gauthreaux playing the music at the earlier hour of 8:30. Come early and watch the fireworks and see the light show. Gauthreaux (pronounced GO TROW) has a resume full of club appearances and main events that spans the last 15 years - with the list ever growing.

From events during Winter Party Festival, Atlantis Cruises, ALEGRIA in New York, to major clubs in Brazil and Asia, his name is synonymous with having an amazing and unique musical experience. In addition to his club appearances, Gauthreaux is fast-becoming a leading remix artist. Last year his mix of The Wanted’s "I Found You" reached number one on the Billboard Dance Chart.

DJ Roland Belmares

Friday brings DJ Roland Belmares to the Paramount. Known for his club appearances, Belmares became a leading DJ on the circuit party scene before branching out as a remix artist with such talents as Pepper Mashay, Pat Hodges, Kristine W, Abigail, Debby Holiday, Billie Myers and most recently, Amber.

DJ Tony Moran

On Sunday Independence Provincetown concludes with a guest appearance by DJ Tony Moran. With more than 800 titles, dozens of Top 40 pop hits and countless No. 1 dance singles to his credit, the two-time Grammy-nominated Moran shows no signs of slowing down.

Driven as ever, but imbued with the creative freedom to develop and evolve his trademark sound on his own terms, Moran - like his contemporaries and role models Paul Oakenfold, Tiesto, Bob Sinclair and David Guetta - is taking his music across the globe from the Americas to Europe to Asia and back.

Among the artists Moran has worked with are Michael Jackson, Gloria Estefan, Cher, Luther Vandross, Patti LaBelle, Celine Dion, Jennifer Holiday, Jon Secada, Barry Manilow, Kenny G and even the London Symphony Orchestra. In addition he’s remixed titles for such club queens Deborah Cox, Kristine W, Suzanne Palmer and Inaya Day, who have all churned out dance smash after dance smash with Moran at the helm.

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